I just acquired an AKAI GX-747 and have some questions. First off, I already own a GX-635D so I am somewhat familiar with this type machine, but the 747 is a bit more complicated. Cosmetically it is in very good shape, but it does have a few mechanical problems. One of the springs has come off the right side tensioner and it is not working at this time. This, I am sure can be fixed. The left side tensioner is working, but when there is no tape loaded it goes up and down, it probably needs a new belt. All transport functions work fine except fast forward, it is very slow. Now to the questions.

1. Could the slow fast forward be related to the fact that the right tensioner is not working ?
2. Is there any lubrication that needs to be done to the motors such as the TEAC A-Series ?
3. Is it possible to swap out the tensioners with those from a GX-635D ? (simpler to use, more reliable) If not, where is a good source to get belts or a re-build kit ?
4. Is there anything else I should know about when servicing this machine while I already have it apart ?

Anybody ?

I just acquired an AKAI GX-747 and have some questions. First off, I already own a GX-635D so I am somewhat familiar with this type machine, but the 747 is a bit more complicated. Cosmetically it is in very good shape, but it does have a few mechanical problems. One of the springs has come off the right side tensioner and it is not working at this time. This, I am sure can be fixed. The left side tensioner is working, but when there is no tape loaded it goes up and down, it probably needs a new belt. All transport functions work fine except fast forward, it is very slow. Now to the questions.

1. Could the slow fast forward be related to the fact that the right tensioner is not working ?
2. Is there any lubrication that needs to be done to the motors such as the TEAC A-Series ?
3. Is it possible to swap out the tensioners with those from a GX-635D ? (simpler to use, more reliable) If not, where is a good source to get belts or a re-build kit ?
4. Is there anything else I should know about when servicing this machine while I already have it apart ?
The tensioners on this machine are supposed to go "up and down" if you have no tape loaded. It was designed this way so as to be especially easy to thread the tape on this machine, but these are also are used sense if any tape is present before engaging the transport.

I don't think that the slow FF would have anything to do with the tensioner. Perhaps the torque setting on that motor needs to be turned-up, or the motor run capacitor is on the verge of failing...:scratch2:

Lubrication is certainly a good idea, but you aren't going to find the handy little straws to do this on these like on the teac A Series.

I don't know if it is possible to swap-out the tensioners. It might be, but I would only recommend this as a last resort as you will destory the value of your machine by altering it in that fashion. For one thing you will loose the real time tape counter on that machine, which is one of its coolest features. The exploded view of these inside of the service manual can be a real help.

Other than that, I recommend getting a copy of the service manual. It should tell you many of the maintenance tasks that should be performed, and will give you the specific details of calibrating the machine and such.

yeah...something is up...I had a 747 for 5 years and ran it 12hrs a day the who time and never had a problem.